Feelings are the second and final stage before committing the action of a sin. Feelings anticipate what we will be satisfied with in the natural: lust, worry, anger, resentment, pride, etc.
The first stage of sinning is the thoughts that we allow to develop. When we entertain those thoughts, the feelings follow. So, obviously, we need to know how to control our thoughts.
To fight against the negative ones, I often think about what the apostle Paul says about warfare in 2 Corinthians 10: 4, 5—“The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
This passage is usually cited as a way to fight others who come against us and God. Nothing wrong with that. But I also see it as a description of what we do to ourselves. Do we not build our own fortresses?—and within, think against God?
To overcome sinning, it’s best attacked at its roots. That’s the key to capturing and controlling our thoughts. There are at least two ways to doing that.
First, we need to be conversant with God’s Word. That way, recognition of wrongness is made instantly when a sinful thought enters the mind. Having studied and memorized the Word, the sinful thought can be countered with speaking the Lord’s thinking on the matter. That’s the way Jesus did it when the devil confronted Him with temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4: 1-11).
Secondly, we need to prayerfully depend on and acquiesce to the strength and counsel of the Holy Spirit who talks to all in Christ. We’ve all heard Him tell us to guard our hearts (synonymous with our minds) and to make no provision for the corruption of the flesh. This means screening what we read, watch, and hear. That would be in regards to books, magazines, websites, television, radio, conversation, etc.
The Spirit has also told us to replace ungodly thoughts with godly actions. For example, instead of giving in to hating someone; speak well of them, do good for them, and pray for them. Instead of lusting after someone, think of him or her as a potential sister or brother, praying for their salvation. If sinful thoughts are not replaced with godly thoughts and actions, they will inevitably turn into a playground for Satan.
Another piece of advice from the Spirit is to not forsake the assembly of the saints. I definitely know why He says this, as I am temporarily apart from the flock. There is like-mindedness, strength, encouragement, accountability and support in the body of Christ.
Doing those two things – knowing God’s Word and surrendering to the Spirit’s voice – will help us be victorious over our thought life. It may not always be easy, especially the surrendering part, but it is what we have to do in order to stop our thoughts from creating in us a sinful pattern or lifestyle.
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Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4: 23.
Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26: 41.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8.